“Marcus,” Alex called, approaching the young man, going through boxes of files and information concerning the syndicate, “what’s the latest in terms of profit?”

“Couldn’t be better,” Marcus laughed, “only two weeks since the Black Death group fell and we’ve practically slipped in their shoes! Profits are up double what they were before, we’ve gained hundreds of new customers, and we’ve got new drug trafficking routes opening up with new cartels spearheading them.”

“We may need to slow down…too much growth, and we’ll get some unwanted attention.” Alex grumbled.

“I doubt it.” Marcus shrugged. “Miss Taiga has been garnering public approval over the last two weeks by giving charitable donations to the local orphanage and soup kitchens.”

“So she really was pulling a ‘Robin Hood’ act?”

“I think partly.” Marcus agreed. “For her, I don’t think it was just about growing a criminal underground…to her it was a means to an end.”

“And what is that end?”

“…Remember what she told us when she first took charge? She wanted to save this city from the gang war. I think that’s what she’s doing now.”

“So one powerful gang to reign in the others?” Alex asked. “That’s the big secret? I doubt that’ll do any good. She can’t keep a large operation like this completely under control…plus there are still lots of those in the gang who still see her as a problem.”

“I think that’s more a factor of the changes she’s made in house.” Marcus answered. “In my opinion…I like them.”

“Really?”

“Since she took over, she’s forced us to act more like a machine than a broken down car. Remembe how all anyone would ever do was lay around getting high? Now she’s getting work done! Enforcing a dress code. Encouraging constant communication. Regular inspections. She’s turning this into an actual organization instead of a social club.”

“I can’t argue with the results…but I know there are a few who wouldn’t mind taking her down a notch. You do know what the local paper is calling her right?”

“I don’t really read the papers anymore. Did they get her picture?” Marcus asked.

“No. No one knows what she looks like yet…but they knew she’s female and that she’s taken over. They’re calling her the Tigeress.”

“Oichi the Tigress.” Marcus laughed. “I like the sound of that.”

“It puts a target on her back.”

“Good.” Marcus smirked. “What kind of criminal group would we be if we didn’t get any notoriety? After all, that’s the whole reason the Black Death lost it’s favor with the police…they sent the cops after a small time gang with no notoriety…but now we have it, and we can use that.”

“Speaking of which, where is the boss? I wanted her to hear the news.”

“I think she’s out shopping this morning.” Marcus answered, returning to his filing.

“Shopping!?” Alex gawked. “HER!?”

“Well, she IS a woman, Alex…even she can fall victim to materialism.”

“I know but…damn, I just can’t see her acting…girly. The way she came in and took charge? The way she could stare down a devil in her face? The mercilessness in her actions? …I just couldn’t see the ‘Tigress’ that way.”

“Well, you have to remember, Alex…tigers still start out as kittens. Miss Taiga is still young…I think that kitten has yet to grow out of her.”

Oichi had almost forgotten the joys of shopping. In Tokyo, she used to go with her school friends after classes or on weekends to go find new designs, listen to the most popular new songs, and see any movies out. It was from such movies as “The Godfather” that Oichi had grown to idolize the mafia of America. It had pained her to see that they were no longer the romanticized organization that she’d believed they were. The gangs and organizations she’d seen here were nothing more than cowards and punks who had as little self-respect as they did hygiene. This was a release for her. An escape, as it were. As she walked through the small clothing shop, she marveled at the elegance and beauty that could be found in simplicity. These were not overly priced dresses, but they were so cute! How her lieutenants would laugh if they saw her like this; fawning over articles of clothing like a common school girl.

She didn’t think about this though as she set down her purse to take down the beautiful white dress and hold it against her breast to see how it might look. It was a tempting buy for the cheap price. Probably a nice Sunday dress.

“This is beautiful.” She sighed. “I’m sure I can afford-” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a movement…the slightest of slinks. There, a man in a hoodie and ball cap walked past her and casually, as if just stretching his arm, scooped up her purse and began sprinting toward the door.

“STOP!” Oichi screamed, dropping the dress and tearing after him. Oichi was quick, but this guy was far faster. He must’ve been a career pickpocket, as he easily cleared the checkout isle and powered through the doors of the store, out to the street. Oichi had to kick off her shoes, as her heels slowed her down, but even without those, he was still outpacing her easily, and now her barefeet were hurting from running on concrete sidewalks. “GIVE THAT BACK!” A few folks heard her cries and saw the man, and even a few moved as if to stop him. However, most saw him just out of reach and out of mind, and made a move to aid her, but then stopped short, finding it easier not to try. Oichi silently cursed the laziness of these people, wondering if she was the real criminal here. She didn’t give up though. She ran harder and harder until she was sure her feet were blistered. “I SAID STOP!” She roared at him.

“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”

From out of nowhere, as if stepping out of a pocket in the air, a man burst out and slammed his shoulder into the thief, causing both to crash to the ground. The thief threw himself back on his feet and tried to run again, but the new stranger snatched the mans ankle and he tumbled. The two engaged in a fierce ground grapple and finally, the new man got on top of the thief and slugged him with sickening power, across the thief’s jaw.

“TURN OVER!” The stranger snapped. He grabbed the thief and spun him onto his stomach, before grabbing both of his wrists and pulling them behind his back. Oichi felt a shadow of a smile creep across her face. This complete stranger had helped her…he’d saved her purse. She hobbled to him, but winced and fell to her knees as the pain of her barefoot sprint had finally come to collect its due. She simply watched as a small crowd gathered around to watch the man hold the thief down until a pair of uniformed cops ran forward to arrest him. The stranger stood again, picking up the purse, and making his way out of the crowd toward Oichi. She looked up at him and got a look at his face.

He was handsome. Dark brown hair adorned his head like a crown, spiked and wild from running at break neck speed. He had sweat on his brow and he appeared to be rather fit as well, with little in the way of stomach fat to slow him down. He was wearing a light blue running shirt and jogging pants, as well as running shoes, implying he’d been on a jog when he decided to help Oichi. He had the most fascinating dark eyes, like a pair of glistening stones. He held out Oichi’s purse to her and smiled.

“This is yours, right ma’am?” Oichi beamed and took it from his hands, glad to feel its familiar weight.

“You were impressive.” Oichi giggled. “Did you play football?”

“In high school…but wasn’t much good at it.” He chuckled. “Here, let me help you up.” He held out his hand to her and Oichi took it, allowing him to ease her to her feet. The crowd was disappearing now, the excitement gone now that the thief was being taken away. Oichi stood once more and cried out in pain, lifting her foot to see they were red and blistered. The stranger took notice.

“What on earth!? Did you chase that guy without shoes?”

“My heels…didn’t help me run very well.” Oichi admitted.

“Crap, you should get those bandaged before you put on shoes. I have a first aid kit in my car. I’ll take you there.” He offered.

“I can’t really walk well.” Oichi explained. “I’ll be fine. I’ll just go put on my shoes and go home. I can make it that fa-AAH!” Oichi suddenly felt her arm being lifted over the man’s shoulder as he began helping her walk as a human crutch.

“Then let’s take you back to where your shoes are at least.” He chuckled. “I can’t just leave you alone with your feet like that.” Oichi wasn’t sure if she should slap him or thank him, so she said and did nothing, but only stared in amazement at the dedication of this man, whoever he was.

“What’s your name?” She asked.

“Officer Todd Edwards.”

“Edwards?” Oichi asked.

“Well technically it’s Todd Edouard after my mother, but frankly it’s just easier to say Edwards.” Oichi felt a twinge of discomfort at the news her rescuer had been a police officer. He didn’t wear the uniform…but he was an officer. That explained his actions after subduing the criminal…he was trained to catch thieves and gang members…and in his hands he had her. Should he find out who she was, she was helpless to get away…her feet wouldn’t get her far. Her situation was more than slightly desperate.

“I see. Well thank you very much, officer.”

“And may I ask your name?” Edwards asked. Oichi froze up a moment and gulped. Could she risk it?

“…Oichi Taiga.” She finally blurted out. There was a pause and a flash of surprise went across the young mans eyes. Had he figured it out? Did he know?

“Oichi Taiga?” He asked. “That sounds foreign. Are you from out of country?”

“…Yes, I flew in a few weeks ago from Japan.” Oichi answered.

“Well your English is spectacular, Miss Taiga. Welcome to New Mercia.” He said with a polite smile. Oichi felt herself relaxing some. It seemed the officer she now was with had no idea who she really was. If he did…she’d rather not think about just how close she came to blowing her entire operation out of the water.

After walking back to the shop, Oichi found her shoes by the store where she’d kicked them off and she bent down to pick them up.

“Are you going to be okay getting home?” Officer Edwards asked.

“I’ll be alright. A few blisters won’t bother me too much.” Oichi answered. That was only half true though. As soon as she got halfway down the block, she’d call a cab to pick her up…she didn’t think she’d be walking far in her condition.

“Well in that case, I suppose this is goodbye.” Edwards smiled. He reached into his pocket to pull out his iPod and reached for a pair of headphones, getting himself back in gear to jog. “It was nice to meet you, Miss Taiga…though I wish it were under better circumstances.” He turned to leave and checked his watch.

“Wait!” Oichi called.

Why was she stopping him? Let him go. Don’t let the officer stay and potentially learn who you are!

“Yes?” He asked, taking out his headphones again.

Just say ‘forget it.’ Thank him and let him go. Don’t entertain this notion of gratitude too long. Let him run off.

“Would you like a cup of coffee?”

Why she asked this she couldn’t tell. She was just as shocked by the offer as he seemed to be. He blinked a minute and then smiled bashfully.

“Wow that’s nice but…not a good idea to drink coffee right before a run. Plus, I didn’t bring my wallet.”

Now’s your chance, she thought. Let me leave. Let him go and say ‘another time then.’ In fact, don’t say anything! Just nod your head and let him go. Don’t take another look at his eyes.

“It’s my treat.” Oichi breathed. “After all, you did get my purse back for me. And if you can’t drink coffee, how about if I buy you a tea or a water?”

Why are you doing this, she thought desperately. This makes no sense. You’re only putting yourself in danger!

“Well…it’s really unconventional but…I can’t turn down an offer like that…especially since I’m done with my run.”

“Done? Weren’t you about to?”

“Um…yeah…that was mostly to show off for you…I don’t think I could run another step.” He chuckled sheepishly. Oichi found herself giggling despite herself and she hobbled towards him. As she took a step in her heels, her feet gave way and she squealed in surprise as she fell.

“CAREFUL!” Todd threw himself forward and grabbed her arm to stop her. “Are you okay?” Oichi nodded, though she truly wasn’t okay. Every part of her being was in defiance of her heart. Why was she entertaining this man? Why was she offering to drink with a police officer; the very man who would willingly throw her in prison or deport her if he knew the nature of her family and her businesses? This all was wrong, and in her mind, she was calculating all the risks and dangers of this little date. And yet, nothing in her mind that she could contemplate as a method of escape could overrule the beating of hear heart, as it cascaded into rapid throbs just at the touch of this stranger.

“I’m fine, thank you. I guess, my blisters hurt worse than I thought.”

“Well, there’s a café not far from here. I’ll walk you there.” Edwards smiled, taking her arm and helping her down the sidewalk, toward the café. Every step was pain for Oichi, but it was also invigorating. The sensation of being with Todd was something she hadn’t ever felt before, and though fear gripped her mind at the thought of what could become of her, she also couldn’t shake a strange sense of liking towards him. Who was this man? And why did she feel…he’d be dining with her more frequently than just this morning?